White House Cheat Sheet: Cheney Keeps on Swinging

Former vice president Dick Cheney continues to hammer President Obama. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images)

Former vice president Dick Cheney continued his one-man assault on President Obama, issuing a broad condemnation of the White House -- from its handling of the CIA interrogation memos to the handshake with Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez -- during an interview with Fox News's Sean Hannity last night.

Cheney, never one to shy away from a political fistfight, called it "a little bit disturbing" that the Obama administration had released some of the CIA memos "but they didn't put out the memos that showed the success of the effort." Cheney added that he was calling on the CIA to release the full memos regarding the interrogation practices and what results (if any) they yielded.

On Obama's handshake with Chavez, Cheney said he "didn't think much of it" but added, more broadly, that he was "concerned with the way that we've been represented overseas."

The first half of Hannity's interview with Cheney aired last night; the second half is slated for tonight.

Cheney's decision to serve as the self-appointed defender of the Bush presidency has significantly raised his profile in the first 100 days of the Obama administration and presents a real challenge for a party hoping to put forward new faces and fresh ideas.

"He is a face of the past," said one Republican consultant who spoke on the condition he not be named. "A face of conflict and too polarizing. So, not a good face of the party."

Cheney is largely unpopular among voters generally and particularly independent voters that proved so critical to Obama's across-the-board victory last fall. A late March Gallup poll showed that just three in ten voters had a favorable opinion of Cheney while 63 percent felt unfavorably toward him. Those numbers are consistent with where Gallup has shown Cheney for the last three years -- a period long enough to demonstrate a hardening of opinion toward the former vice president.

The problem for Republicans as it relates to Cheney's freelancing is simple: there is no one able or willing to tell him to cut it out. Couple that with the fact that Cheney has no vested interest in stopping on his own and his former position means he can get on television whenever he likes and you begin to grasp the depth of the issue.

Former president George W. Bush is settling into a life of domestic bliss in Dallas (as brilliantly documented by the Post's Eli Saslow) and Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Steele has spent most of his time putting out self-started fires since the beginning of the Obama administration. Republican congressional leaders -- with the notable exception of House Minority Whip Eric Cantor (Va.) have struggled to make their mark and the 2012 presidential field remains largely unformed.

Enter Cheney.

"Until the GOP has a credible voice to counter the administration's constant revisionist blame game politics, the former vice president has no choice but to defend and combat attempts to deliberately malign U.S. policy that for seven years kept our country safe from foreign attack," said Republican strategist Chris LaCivita. "But an alternative has yet to appear because the GOP can't seem to get to next week -- let alone next year."

Unfortunately for Republicans, Cheney's primary mission -- defending the Bush presidency from attacks against it -- does almost nothing to further the broader goals of the GOP heading into 2010 and 2012. In fact, it is at odds with those goals.

"Cheney is making a perfectly reasonable argument that is, unfortunately, entirely complicated because he happens to be the messenger," said a senior GOP strategist. "Cheney criticizing Obama forces the debate to a place where it's less about the merits of the argument and more of a personality contest between the two men and that's not a battle we can expect to win right now."

What to Watch For:

Tuesday Fix Picks: If we had to pick a worst day of the week, Tuesday would be it.

RNC Tops DNC in Money Chase: The much-vaunted fundraising operation that helped elect President Obama slowed significantly in the first three months of 2009 as the Democratic National Committee was outraised by the Republican National Committee in the year's first quarter. The RNC collected $25 million between Jan. 1 and March 31 as compared to the nearly $17 million raised by the DNC. The RNC also stood in a far stronger cash position with $23.9 million in the bank to the DNC's $9.7 million. Some Democrats dismissed the numbers as simply a reflection of the fundraising strictures on DNC Chairman Tim Kaine (Va.) while he is still the governor of the Commonwealth but unless things pick up in the near term there will be significant grumbling within the party. Meanwhile, the numbers should buoy RNC Chairman Michael Steele who struggled badly in adjusting to his national microphone in the first three months of the year. Steele came into the job with major concerns about his fundraising ability but may well have answered them for now.

Fundraising Down a Level: The Democratic House and Senate campaign committees outpaced their GOP counterparts in the first quarter of the 2010 midterm election cycle. The Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee raised $10.4 million to the National Republican Senatorial Committee's $9.6 million while the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee brought in $17.2 million to the National Republican Congressional Committee's $8.9 million haul. (Worth noting: The DCCC held a much smaller -- $3.35 million to $3.2 million -- lead over the NRCC in the cash on hand race.)

Coleman Formally Appeals Election Contest: To the surprise of no one, former Minnesota senator Norm Coleman (R) formally appealed the decision of a three-judge state panel that affirmed his loss in last year's Senate race to Democrat Al Franken by 312 votes. Coleman's legal team -- Ben Ginsberg and Jim Langdon -- announced the appeal in a conference call on Monday. Langdon said that the Minnesota Supreme Court could begin oral arguments in the case as soon as two weeks and as late as two months from now -- a time line that ensures Minnesota will have no second senator in the foreseeable future. Is there hope for Coleman? Ginsberg insisted that "appellate courts generally have a broader view of the law" and added that the three-judge state panel had "expressed its reluctance to get involved with the constitutional issues." Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee Chairman Bob Menendez (N.J.) called Coleman's appeal "sad but not surprising."

Simmons Brings on Barnett: Former congressman Rob Simmons has landed Jim Barnett, a well-regarded Republican operative, as campaign manager for his 2010 race against Connecticut Sen. Chris Dodd. Barnett ran Sen. John McCain's (Ariz.) come-from-behind victory in the 2008 New Hampshire primary and went on to oversee the northeastern states for McCain in the general election. He has also served as chairman of the Vermont Republican party and as Gov. Jim Douglas' top aide. Simmons is highly touted as a candidate by national Republicans and the hiring of Barnett will be well-received among party establishment types. Simmons is not a sure-thing nominee, however, as former ambassador Tom Foley is likely to run and has the personal wealth and outsider image to give Simmons a serious race. Whoever wins the GOP nod will have a real chance at knocking off Dodd, whose numbers have tumbled in recent months thanks to a series of scandals.

Be the first to know when there's a new installment of The Fix! This widget is easy to add to your Web site, and it will update every time there's a new entry on The Fix.Get This Widget >>

Comments

It seems that the some can't deal with ideas or controversy, instead you spew hatred?

America has always been squarely in the middle. Newspapers have been downsizing, their audience is dwindling.

Every major newspaper is in serious financial shape. Why? An antiquated business model, a depleted revenue source, and limited growth potential. Steel, manufacturing and every other industry that revolutionized, the media isn't immune.

Unfortunately, it better to feared than to be loved---especially in a world where terrorists have no qualms about killing anyone.

Our President seems preoccupied with adoration. He won the campaign, it's over.

Obama is a neophyte in fiduciary and executive management.

Never ever pull your predecessors through the mud. There is no point. No man of character would do such a thing.

Barack Obama needs to grow up, demonstrate character, and stop campaigning. He won the Presidency.

So will everyone else stop obsessing over the guys who aren't in office anymore? Who cares? What's the point?

One other thing Jakey. I realize that you never said the exact words "the Q4 2008 U.S. GDP contraction was proof that Obama's economic package was having a negative impact on economic output". In case you didn't realize it I was "paraphrasing". This was done for the benefit of WaPo's viewing audience. I took this liberty because as usual your posting on that occasion was, hmmmm how to say this, not very coherent and articulate. At least I think you were trying to infer something along those lines and would have likely used similar language if you had any command over the subject that you were trying to address.

I never said that the Q4 2008 U.S. GDP contraction was proof that Obama's economic package was having a negative impact on economic output. You keep making stuff up, though, so you can keep laughing, I guess.

Posted by: JakeD

-------------------------------------------

Ummmmmmmmmm, WRONG! You keep on pulling out sophomoric examples to back up your claims and then lie about it after the fact. Unfortunately, I think the regulars on this thread remember me chiding you for not being able speak coherently about economic statistics.

Remember, the bit about leading versus lagging econ indicators??

On a similar subject, remember when you were an independent who was "pro Hillary" during the primary season? No wonder you idolize the Gipper, he must have been a real role model for your selective memory (i.e., deceptions and lies) :(

I never said that the Q4 2008 U.S. GDP contraction was proof that Obama's economic package was having a negative impact on economic output. You keep making stuff up, though, so you can keep laughing, I guess.

TheBabeNemo,
The 1994 case on a policewoman raped by policemen is the political case cause they seek.( Bonnie Burke)
The case was reversed by the high court in 2004, and the Judge ruled the entire Hawaii system is corrupt from the top to the bottom.
Hence the look see into a certain birth certificate status.

You crack me up Jake, please keep the good laughs coming. Like your posts from about a month back when you were pointing to the Q4 2008 U.S. GDP contraction as proof that Obama's economic package was having a negative impact on economic output. Because, I don't know about you, but where I come from economic policy that is signed into law during March of 2009 effects the measurement of GDP over the October 1 - December 31, 2008 timeframe.

TheBabeNemo,
They got Nixon and they will impeach Obama.
This Congress is behind the continuation of war, and bailouts people said no to.
The new Congress will be placed to impoeach Obama.
The entire rally is about that effort.
I attended a puny small rally, but there is mounting support daily.

If you are from Arizona, is it true that Napolitano had displayed a 911 monument dissing the dead and the US troops that the people tore down?

Her agenda was set long before she was elevated, it is too bad no one vetteed her properly before nominating her.

Watch Obama back peddle over the next few days because of the fact the HIS head of CIA has announced that the "enhanced"forms of interrogation got them info that averted attacks. I plan on enjoying the show.

"If there is misuse of the Courts by politicians, it is an unconstitutional act.
Treason or sedition, but definitely prosecutable".
Goes for Republicans too.
There is something called "statute of limitations" as well.

And let President Obama leave the door open for prosecution of the CIA interrogation tapes and techniques. It will lead right up to former President Bush's door. By way of Cheney who wanted it and Bush who signed off on it.
We have the potential, right today, if repulsives push this "torture issue", that will prove that the 43rd President of the United States condoned and let torture happen at Gitmo.
Is this what you want. To bring a former President to a court of the land?

Cheney refers to reports that show that the torture tactics worked. I would want to see the evidence, not reports of such. I have no trust in any reports that come out of the Bush White House. Learning from torture that this or that person was responsible for 9/11 is no big deal. Our intelligence sources figured most of this out early on. The reason for the torture was to intercept future attacks, not to confirm actors in the 9/11 event. My how the stories change on a daily basis by those who are now squirming. Perhaps a little torture coming Cheney's way may refresh his memory.

dottydo: everyone always signs impeachment petitions of every sitting president --at any given protest. It is done with Governors alot too. To recall.
Protests are meant to do that.
Everyone is happy in a very happy boat, all sailing together with the CORRECT idea.
Thing is, that's all they do. Protest. So, after you all go home with your signs and your pictures, wake up the next day and find out what YOUR legislation is doing and get involved.

And what World Court are you talking about in regards to President Obama?

Also, what page of the Rightwing Extremism Report has all rightwings labeled as terrorists? I have it here in print, so please tell me where that is.

I am too Democrat for acorn nutty obamaland because I want a Constitutional Republic President Biden.
I am a Republican far right wing, if I would vote for Condi Rice or Steele if they ran for President next round.

The simple facts are Obama is hiding something in Court and the reversal of the Stevens case has launched a look into every politician's case hidden in Court systems.
If there is misuse of the Courts by politicians, it is an unconstitutional act.
Treason or sedition, but definitely prosecutable.

.
.
.
This is the mind set of the Republican party, a mind set that has cause catastrophic damage to our country. Most of those who support and defend the Bush "Gang-nistration" are those who lack the personal ability to think for one self. They are the masses who lend their ears to Fox News.

Fox News is running the Republican circus, they are in charge of the Republican party, and they will never take responsibility for the damage they are causing and have caused.
.
.
.
.

dottydo:
"Oh that's right, you only laugh at TEA PARTY REVOLT who demand to live in a Constitutional Republic where when the people say "no" the government listens".
Never put words in my mouth. I did not laugh at the tea of last week even though they meant nothing. You really think Congress listened? When people want to say no, they best GO TO CONGRESS or their own states' legislative body. This is where laws are made.
Protest all you want. Think you are doing something wonderful, but until you start working in the field and "going to legislation sessions" instead "going to protests" ---nothing will be done.

"Homeland defense's slam on the troops has gleen huge growth in support of the question regarding Obama's birth documents status."
And what was that "slam on the troops"? And how has it gleaned growth on the birth certificate issue. That issue is SO DEAD. Only the illogicals bring it up because they are, point blank, prejudice. You just don't like an African American in office. Either does Jake. Or you wouldn't be "hailing at the mountaintops" this issue of the birth certificate.

"Acorns answering polls are not fgoing to help slick".
Uh, this statement means what?
You don't want to get into it with me about crooked 2000 election sh** done by repulsives.

"The Ted Steven's case reversal will drive the Obama court sealed records of Barry Soreto open."
Ted Stevens will be dead before anything happens. Why the heck do you think the reversal came down. It is not WORTH IT.
It's your money, you go prosecute. And make sure your court case is solid without reasonable doubt.

"Mc Cain would have faced the same. He didn't meet the criteria and is only a naturalized citizen."
Maybe not. He was born in Panama and I can claim the same argument. I want to see McCain's long form. And since I am from Arizona, I will DEMAND HIS RESIGNATION from the Senate seat he has held for 10 years.

Napolitano has declared right wing people terrorist, and it is being determined if that list includes Senators and all elected and those who are registered Republican.
Jovial name calling has become a serious thing today.

.
.
.
This is the mind set of the Republican party, a mind set that has cause catastrophic damage to our country. Most of those who support and defend the Bush "Gang-nistration" are those who lack the personal ability to think for one self. They are the masses who lend their ears to Fox News.

Fox News is running the Republican circus, they are in charge of the Republican party, and they will never take responsibility for the damage they are causing and have caused.
.
.
.
.

A-Voter,
Your comments certainly never helped Obama gather any following, and now his own base is walking out in disgust.

Your not a very savy voter for divisive comments when an impeachment process is pending, or an Indictment on Obama by World Court, who will call for his sealed Court records poste Haste, if treason charges here don't.

.
.
.
This is the mind set of the Republican party, a mind set that has cause catastrophic damage to our country. Most of those who support and defend the Bush "Gang-nistration" are those who lack the personal ability to think for one self. They are the masses who lend their ears to Fox News.

Fox News is running the Republican circus, they are in charge of the Republican party, and they will never take responsibility for the damage they are causing and have caused.
.
.
.
.

.
.
.
This is the mind set of the Republican party, a mind set that has cause catastrophic damage to our country. Most of those who support and defend the Bush "Gang-nistration" are those who lack the personal ability to think for one self. They are the masses who lend their ears to Fox News.

Fox News is running the Republican circus, they are in charge of the Republican party, and they will never take responsibility for the damage they are causing and have caused.
.
.
.
.

"From Day One" is related more to the allegation that Obama is not a "natural-born" citizen. Look, you don't have to agree with me on that in order to agree that Cheney should be turned over for prosecution. Why won't you agree to hold Obama responsible for that? Just because I suggested it?!

.
.
.
This is the mind set of the Republican party, a mind set that has cause catastrophic damage to our country. Most of those who support and defend the Bush "Gangnistration" are those who lack personal the ability to think for one self. They are the masses who lend their ears too Fox News.

Fox News is running the Republican show, they are in charge of the Republican party, and they will never take responsibility for the damage they are causing and have caused.
.
.
.
.

Dodd should pick himself up, and ask for Impeachment of Obama for throwing him under the bus on loopholes he demands he did not author.
He can lay on the ladel of soup including the World Court's impending prosecution of Obama, and releasing sensative National secrets as treason.

Dodd isn't coming back, so he should make his stand now.

"POTUS Biden for the safety of the Nation", coming from Dodd would sound like music to many ears.

Who knows maybe Biden will place him as VP for it.
The new cabinet and team would be a best result.

My only motive is to get Obama out of office, so I am proposing is a compromise. I probably couldn't convince you to support impeachment for any other reason, but I am (honestly) willing to support impeachment if Obama doesn't turn Cheney over for prosecution. Will you sign a petition for that or not?

where are the 96% of this population that are on the "natural born kick".
puhleeze.

do you think McCain would have let him EVEN take the oath if Obama wasn't natural born.
Do you think Romney would have let him .
Do you think Congress would have let him become President.

You have no faith in your own country.
THe COUNTRY has not found him illegally in office.
Where's the 96% that does.
And do they have an IQ of 2?
Because they must to get on that bandwagon.
How gullible.

It is the Justice Dept's call, or congress. Not like when Bush stocked the DOJ with store bought atty's that would interpret the constitution to fit his own f'd up agenda.

I originally thought Obama said no to prosecutions as a ploy, knowing full well it wasn't his call - only to let congress or DOJ run with this.

Obama can't stop investigations even if he wants to, once those bodies decide to run with this case. It's called separation of Powers. Look it up, it's something that existed for 200 years before Bush was
(s)elected president.

It will be painful, but justice must and will run its course. That's the very reason americans gave their lives, for the rule of law - up till King W appeared on the scene.

We need to slam the door hard on the Bush crime syndicate - and ensure no president of any party - will ever remotely consider going down that dead end road again.

JakeD,
You are right about the left base backing away from Obama who has unveiled money to lure them back.
The Napolitano memo calling US Vets and troops terrorist to the Nation, went over like a lead ballon.
The only question they asked is: Are we still a Constitutional Republic?

I guess they got their answer, so yes no the people enmasse want to see the Court records Obama hides now.

JakeD: I understand you weren't being rude, but --and with as much respect as I can offer -- I really don't trust your motives.
Look: Despite my slagging you in the past, I'm sure you're probably a decent person, but your history of posts here don't reassure me, or anyone else who truly gives a damn about righting past wrongs.
Do you really care about what the last administration did? Do you truly believe they committed high crimes and misdemeanors?
Are you really willing to accept a fair, impartial, by-the-book investigation of what might have taken place over the last eight years?
Really?
Tell you what: Start acting in a more civilized manner, defending GOPers ad nauseum (while slandering every single Demo at every chance you get), quit tarring all those who don't share your views with the same brush, and maybe I might take your challenge seriously.
Your move, councilor.

Of course I made the big deal about Bill Clinton not serving in Vietnam -- because he LIED and that's what tripped him up again re: Lewinsky -- Cheney didn't. See the difference?

BTW: are you saying that Iraq was botched (the same conflict that The One says turned out better than anyone could have imagined)?

Posted by: JakeD |

-------------------------------------------

P.S. which is greater immorality, lying about a bj or advocating torture?

Magnitude Jakey, magnitude.

I shutter at the possibility that your ilk and the Islamo-Jihadists will one day realize how much you share in common and will join forces to bring about the about the evil world that you fantasize about.

Oops, never mind that I said that, please forget all about that possibility :)

The difference between me (an analogy for what I am trying to convey on these message boards) and you (what you represent) in a nutshell is that I am responsible for big decisions that have a palpable impact on people whereas as you're a foaming at the mouth do nothing. Hence ideology and being able to "flip" an argument to my advantage (your whole approach to life) means nothing if it does not result in palpable benefit to the greater population.

Me (and the people I look up to) - results driven
You (and your demagogues) - out of touch ideologue

Jake - I'm sorry that you hate progress, ethics and cling to the notion that things were better in the dark ages. Good luck with the lonely path you’re on. Trust me, it’s gonna continue to get more lonesome because people aren’t stupid enough to buy into your nonsense :)

"President B.O. could not carry Mr Cheneys Jock Strap//"
Posted by: horsun4tjsLEFTY1931
-------------------
You are right, Obama could not carry that sick geezer's syphilis-filled pus-smeared jock strap anyway. He has his family to think of.

No, he wouldn't -- because Obama has far too much respect for himself.
You, on the other hand, apparently do not -- if you idolize this sick, diseased and downright evil former vice president.
Get a life, horse's a$$.

JakeD: Yeah, I'm still around? What's it to you?
And if you're really serious about this comment: "Will you join me, info53, mstratas, and WillSeattle in seeking Obama's IMPEACHMENT if Obama doesn't turn Cheney et al. over to prosecute?"

Yes, I'll actually join you. But of course, somehow I don't really think you mean what you write.

JakeD, I suppose the only way that Obama can "prove" that he is a strong military leader would be another warmonger, like your hero Cheney. "Might makes right" is the only rule that you redneck jerks live by, but, remember, also, that "Those who live by the sword, die by the sword".

Cheney is anything but "out of the loop" as former Presidents and Vice-Presidents can elect to continue receiving the same daily briefings and (in case you hadn't heard this piece of VRWC theory) he has moles everywhere! In fact, one could be monitoring your computer right now.

TalkingHead1:

Not at all. But none of that diminished the point that Obama had the least amount of experience of ANY President or Vice President in the last 50 years. For the sake of our country, I wish him well.

htruman:

Of course I made the big deal about Bill Clinton not serving in Vietnam -- because he LIED and that's what tripped him up again re: Lewinsky -- Cheney didn't. See the difference?

BTW: are you saying that Iraq was botched (the same conflict that The One says turned out better than anyone could have imagined)?

This is my opportunity to thank Dick Cheney for his comments to not only explain the actions that the Bush Administration initiated but also describe the environment that existed at the time of those decisions. Obama is an intelligent man that is getting his OJT as president in the environment of a "fawning" liberal print and broadcast media. With the exceptions of FOX, WSJ, Heritage Foundation, and a few others, the balance of the media is doing him no favors in its defense of his every utterance. Bush and Cheney got used to the daily "drumming" they took from the same media for the eight years they were in power. They learned that taking decisive action opened them up for the type of ill informed and venemous comments reflected by 95% of the respondents to this opinion piece.This type of criticism is permitted by our constitution and Bush and Cheney were better for it. President Obama could benefit from a more rigorous examination of his decisions as well. However, because of the cover he is getting from "his media",he is emboldened to react agressively to any type of comment or criticism that makes even the slightest suggestion that he may be acting in error. If he continues to show the kind of "weakness" internationally he exhibited on his European trip, I believe that our country is at greater risk of a repeat of a 9/11 incident. If he was lucky enough[ like Bush and Cheney] to have media critics that were aggressively doing their jobs, he would develope the "thick skin" he will need to face down Iran, Venezuela, Pelolsi, and the other threats to our country. Dick Cheney's comments were mild and appropriate as he exercised the same right to criticise the actions of the current administration. The Obama team has certainly not been reluctant to continue the attacks on the Bush administration.Thanks to the Post for the opportunity to resopond to your opinion columns.

Fortunately for Democrats, as Chris points out, 1) Republicans would be hard pressed to come up with a figure more unpopular outside their hard-core base than Cheney, and 2) Cheney's interest in defending the disastrous Dubya administration at all costs is diametrically opposed to the Republicans' interest in putting forward credible candidates and agendas for the future.

I'm tempted to ramble on, something like "12 reasons I detest this man", but he's really not worth what the increased blood pressure I'd experience composing such a post would detract from my hoped for life expectancy.

No, no, no. The rule is, once you leave office, you stop talking, at least for a good while. You let the other side bury itself, if that's what they insist on doing, and you let the People decide who stays and who goes. All Cheney is doing now is second-guessing, since he is very much out of the loop, and that makes him a sniveling whiner.

Uncle Dick, trade in your sour grapes for some nobility. It'll be good for the nation. And positively sublime for your place in history.

JakeD, I suppose the only way that Obama can "prove" that he is a strong military leader would be another warmonger, like your hero Cheney. "Might makes right" is the only rule that you redneck jerks live by, but, remember, also, that "Those who live by the sword, die by the sword".

You make it too easy for me to pin the hypocrisy tail on you. You're the ones who made the big deal about Bill Clinton not serving in Vietnam. Remember? Last I recall it wasn't Bill who was drumming up the call to invade Vietnam back in the 60's/70's. Hmmmmm, that distinction belonged to Dick Cheney. But somewhere along the way ol Dick experienced some difficulty walking his talk.

Let me make this real simple for you, so that you can grasp the fallacy of your position. The dilemma with Dick's stance (i.e., warmonger who was too chicken to serve his own cause) is that it is indicative of someone who does not grasp the high costs (or care about them?) associated with their ideology. Fast forward a few years (to Iraq) and this becomes painfully evident, as Cheney's pathological ideology led to one of the most botched war efforts of the modern era. Perhaps if Dick hadn't chickened out of Vietnam he would have had a sense for what he was sending his troops into in Iraq. You think?

Yes, by all means let's see the files showing that torturing Al-Qaeda chauffeurs and flunkies saved the U.S. from another 9/11. If these "unreleased" documents do show that the "enhanced interrogation" techniques helped prevent an attack, I'll write back and thank President Bush and Vice President Chaney. Meanwhile, I remain skeptical to say the least. It's my impression that if the past administration had foiled any significant plots, it would have ballyhooed its successes all over the airways. Instead, all we got were a handful of wannabe terrorists (remember the guy who was going to blow up the Brooklyn Bridge?). If there is a causal link between torture and safety, then show it to us.

Interesting thought. If clear and convincing evidence were found of an extraterrestrial (heh) birth, I don't think that the Supreme Court can overturn an election after certified by the electors. So, I guess it would require impeachment (fraud?) by the House and trial by the Senate. In which case, the evidence would have overwhelming given the current composition of the U.S. Senate.

Cheney was SecDef and Acting President (Commander-in-Chief) which is a hell of a lot more "military" experience than Obama had.
***********************************************************************************

BS! A draft-dodging coward who had no real military experience as a soldier but played General Patton with the lives of young Americans, some barely 19-year old? Not even close! Cheney even dismissed the expert advice of General Shinseki, because Cheney is a stubborn and stupid redneck from Wyoming who thought going to war overseas would be as simple and quick as going hunting. A trigger-happy warmonger that he is, Cheney even shot his hunting companion before checking his identity, didn't he? "Shoot first, ask later" has been his modus operandi all along.

I can't get on board with the "Death To Cheney" stuff. For one thing, decent people don't wish death on our leaders, no matter how evil -- we can leave that sort of nonsense to the teabaggers. For another thing, that's too good a fate for him.

Far, far better that Cheney be compelled to serve a life sentence at Walter Reed, working as a health care technician, spending all his waking hours caring for the brave soldiers with traumatic brain injuries whose lives he ruined with his arrogant and profoundly misguided war of aggression in Iraq.

I wouldn't mind seeing the Decider right there with him. Donate the proceeds of that upcoming memoir to a fund to cover expenses for the families. Crime really shouldn't pay, especially for the top two criminals. What the hell, throw in Rummy, Addington, and those scummy lawyers. After a few days of working their butts off to care for our fallen heroes, they'll be begging for the ICC to come and get them.

And if those louts don't like that idea, then just send them to Gitmo, treat them exactly the same way they authorized others to be treated, and let them figure out for themselves whether those "enhanced interrogation techniques" constitute torture or not.

Will you join me, mstratas, and WillSeattle in seeking Obama's IMPEACHMENT if Obama doesn't turn Cheney et al. over to prosecute?

BB / FairlingtonBlade:

Good point. Unfortunately, Obama is the de facto President of the United States, even if he is not legally President. Let's assume, for the sake of argument, that clear and convincing proof comes out that Obama is not a "natural born" citizen but refuses to step down. If Biden and the Cabinet back him up on that, we would have a real-life Constitutional crisis, wouldn't we? Short of the Courts getting involved, "impeachment" may be the only legal remedy.

President B.O. could not carry Mr Cheneys Jock Strap// as far as combat service lets get real did you see our fearless Pres B.O. in Turkey when they gave him a one gun salute?? Private DumBO ears and all almost fell off the stage//

Posted by: horsun4tjsLEFTY1931

-------------------------------------------

Hey Genius -

Here's the excerpt from Wikipedia on Cheney's great military service for this country:

"When Cheney became eligible for the draft, during the Vietnam War, he was a supporter of the U.S. involvement in the war but did not serve in the military. Instead, he applied for and received five draft deferments."

Fake military leaders tailor made for a fake Christian party of chickenhawks. Remind me again, just where in the Bible does JC espouse the virtues of torture, or "selfishness" for that matter?

The GOP in a nutshell, fake Christian nutcases, who claim to be spokespeople for JC, but in reality are a bunch of Satan worshipers.

The writing's on the wall. Mark my words, the moderate Repubs will split from the fake Christian war mongers within this election cycle or the next, reducing the neoCONS to a permanent 15-20% minority of screaming cry babies.

I think that's very possible about Bush throwing Cheney udner the bus. After all, the torture memos came out of Cheney's office... he was the originator of the worst crimes of that administration, and is the most guilty of all of them.

Think about it. Obama obviously made some assurances to Bush about not going after certain people, and apparently Bush agreed not to issue blanket pardons as his end of the deal.

After the election, we immediately heard of discord between Bush and Cheney.

Cheney was upset over Scooter, but is the big picture that Bush has thrown CHENEY under the bus? If so, the Dick's campaign to take a hard stance is totally in character, if he sees the law closing in.

Maybe we can look forward to seeing Cheney indicted for war crimes. Wouldn't THAT be the trial of the century? I've got MY popcorn.

If only Chenny had the health care - or lack of - of most/many Americans. have. He'd be dead: bad heart in a bad man. If only, what a better world we'ld all be in.

Seems the CIA has been behind much evil this past 50 years. Nice to see them hung out to air.

Go Obama. After the last 8 years, I don't care what you do, it'll be an improvement. I'll know you personally understood and were aware of what your administration is sanctioning. Imagine: a literate Presiden

UNRELATED: biggest plague on Mother Earth = humanity. How about reigning in Catholics, Mormans, give people money to not procreate.

Cheney can "frock" himself. He is like Pinochet of Chile, corrupt dictator who continued to defend his torture policies till he died. Cheney is a shameful, shameful man. America should not torture its prisoners or captured people not because we feel sorry for them. The US signed a treaty and the Geneva Convention against torture. We honor our treaty obligations or we become like Iran/North Korea, Burma and the rest of the tinpot dictators. Those who swagger and act macho like cheney should keep in mind how stupid they are and so UnAmerican.

Cheney is what he is and that is, just a scab on the ass of time....Why doesn't he know that 80 percent of the people were sisk and tired of him the 8 years he was VP and were glad to see him gone and gone means gone forever and never see or hear from again.

King of Zouk: You might be a boring, conservative hypocrite apologist if YOU think anyone agrees with the garbage you spew on a regular basis.
Get a job, kiss a girl, read a book -- in short, get a life. You spout the same crap, over and over and over. You're a crashing bore.

As to Cheney: Of course, this odious, lying way criminal goes to the safe harbor of GOP kiss-a$$ and prostitute extraordinaire, Sean Hannity. Along with everyone's favorite drug-addict pedophile talk-radio host, Hannity's the only one who will have him on.
Quite frankly, when Cheney finally dies, this will be the collective response: "No. Big. Loss."

Liberals always freak out when both sides of the truth are presented and not filtered by writers, editors, teleprompters, etc. they go nuts over fox who dares to breach the lib lock on slanted information. they ridicule Joe the plumber who dared to ask THE ONE an unscripted question. they encourage and admire a guy who can tolerate and even enjoy hate speech in church, at the UN and among all his closest friends.

The teabaggers wore teabags on their hats and their glasses and everything and carried signs that said stuff like 'waterboard obama.' You know, patriotic stuff about torturing the president of the US. They got far more coverage than they deserved. The teabags were really cute though.

The advantage that liberals have with the mainstream media is just insurmountable! They own the cable news (well, except for the one people watch, Fox), they own the newspapers (which seem to be rapidly going out of business) and they own the blogosphere (granted, the liberal blogs are all shrinking now while the conservative blogs seem to be getting bigger).

Anyway, as we all know, it's impossible to overcome the mainstream media given how much the public trusts them. That's why that crazypants actor Ron Reagan lost to Jimmy Carter, George H. W. Bush lost to Michael Dukakis, and George W. Bush lost twice to Al Gore AND John Kerry! Wait a second...oh, yeah. So, ah, how's that Fairness Doctrine coming along?

As many people have pointed out, you can't win with conservative values in America any more. Republicans have just got to accept that and follow in the shoes of the Democrats -- who completely re-did their agenda by rolling out a plan that combines the long discredited elements of FDR's agenda that kept us mired in the Depression and the parts of Mussolini's agenda that served as an example to fascists worldwide. Republicans may as well abandon all hope if they think they can go toe-to-toe with that combination without completely abandoning everything they've stood for since Reagan was first elected and start over from scratch

"Via Spencer Ackerman, I see that former Bush State Department official (and 9/11 Commission executive director) Philip Zelikow now says that not only did the Bush torture architects solicit terrible legal advice from the likes of Bybee, Yoo and Bradbury -- but they actively worked to erase any evidence that dissenting legal advice was given:

At the time, in 2005, I circulated an opposing view of the legal reasoning. My bureaucratic position, as counselor to the secretary of state, didn't entitle me to offer a legal opinion. But I felt obliged to put an alternative view in front of my colleagues at other agencies, warning them that other lawyers (and judges) might find the OLC views unsustainable. My colleagues were entitled to ignore my views. They did more than that: The White House attempted to collect and destroy all copies of my memo. I expect that one or two are still at least in the State Department's archives."

whatisthepoint:
good that the prez is kicking reporters off. He doesn't need these Bozos, sitting in the back area for reporters, on Air Force One, (which you are footing the bill for) bad mouthing him.

And cheney is the guilty one of "keeping us on this topic" of the CIA interrogation tapes.
Concentrate on this crisis all you want. President Obama is doing Bush a big favor.
Doesn't Cheney see it?
The Prez will not prosecute because the first person (from any agency involved) who takes the stand will state, under oath, that "enhanced interrogation techniques" were authorized by the White House.
Now, where does that put President Obama?
Run with the case and bust the former president after the fact???
Or choose not to prosecute on the issue?

Presenting a platform for an unrepentant sociopath and unindicted war criminal to rationalize his catastrophic failures to all the rubes and True Believers. Yeah, THAT'S responsible journalism, right up there with manufacturing the whole "teabagging" phenomenon. Faux News would qualify as a sick joke, if it were, in fact, funny.

Red meat for rednecks in red states. Here's some truth in advertising: Faux should simply rename themselves the GOP Ministry of Propaganda. It would be more accurate.

Just keeping flinging that poo like the rage-filled toddlers you are, wingers. We grown-ups will just keep cleaning up your messes -- as usual......

I am serious. President Obama's news-making comments of a few minutes ago -- that it is up to the Attorney general to determine whether to pursue torture prosecutions against the architects of the Bush-era torture "matrix" -- means that the very liberty of the Bush-Cheney cabal and its minions is in jeopardy.

Is this why Cheney is talking so tough in recent days? Is he girding the nation for its first overt (as opposed to covert) coup d'etat?

While extrapolating from personal experience may be taking one leap too many, let me offer this personal anecdote:

For the past five years, this journalist's telecommunications appear to have been subject to pervasive surveillance, even interference -- as exemplified by the failure of some of my political comments to post on certain web sites, including blogs here at Wa-Po. Oftentimes, I receive a "held for blog owner" message, even though I have confirmed that Wa-Po does not "hold" posts based on content, unless foul language is present.

After the uproar over a Department of Homeland Security warning about "right-wing extremists," DHS Secretary Janet Napolitano issued a statement declaring that the agency is not, and will not, consider political ideology in its targeting of potential security risks.

That statement was made on April 15th. Suddenly, that very day, most (but as I recall, not all) of my political posts started to go through unimpeded.

(Typically, when I hit the "submit" button, the browser task bar starts to churn, and then suddenly reads "stopped," only to resume again -- and then, oftentimes, the "held for blog owner" message pops up.)

But today, April 21st, the apparent blatant censorship resumed in full force. Two attempted comments failed to post. Typically, when I revise the language, or otherwise indicate that I am complying with the apparent censorship, the rewritten post goes through. But not today.

The message I take away from that: Personnel at the DHS-administered fusion center again believe they can get away with blatant censorship.

(I do not believe any private hacker would possess the sophisticated technology required to monitor and "mirror" my connection in real-time, as appears to be the case.)

I am convinced that this apparently unconstitutional conduct on the part of fusion center operatives is in violation of current DHS policy.

So take my anecdote for what you will. To me, it is a bad omen.

Hopefully, someone at Team Obama will read this and take steps to curb what appears to be insubordination in the ranks.

Then Team Obama should discard warrantless surveillance programs entirely -- as a violation of the First and Fourth Amendments of the Constitution.

What did Raul Emanuel say? Take advantage of a crisis...and that's what they are doing.

He's feeding you people.

And you're all gullible enough to buy it.
Wow...keep going. If he keeps you focused on this you won't think about the economy or how he's spending your tax dollars, and spending your children's future.

OR THE FACT THAT THE EUROPEANS AND CHINESE...ARE TELLING HIM TO STOP SPENDING!!!!!

HOW EMBARRASSING IS THAT?

Oh, but don't focus on the reality of the situation...just focus on Cheney...and the stupid tapes. Are you serious?

Concern about how "we" are being "represented" overseas? Does he mean because the new President doesn't walk in with a loaded M-60 machine gun? I've met Dick Chain-ey, and if I could do so again, I'd suggest that he should just go hunting quail -- and stay there.

You can't bring integrity to your job (present two sides to the story---which is what a journalist is supposed to do) because Barack Obama won't let you fly on Air Force One. You won't get invited to the White House and he won't be your special friend!

We saw how Barack Obama treated other journalists that actually did their job...he kicked them off the plane. No one likes to be criticized.

As President, you have to be willing to be unpopular. Leaders need to be able to take criticism, without it we are destined for failure.

re those who say letting the enemy know what we did will harm our ability, going forward, to get information, since they won't be surprised. I think anyone who is interested already knows all the possible methods. Should we use them or not is the question, and the answer is NO. Someone who has been waterboarded 183 times apparently is not telling them what they need to know, and the method wasn't working, so why even keep trying. T

I have the solution as to why Cheney pops out of his man-sized safe every once in a while to spew venom... he's secretly an Obama supporter! Whenever the Administration has an issue with the former administration, or the right in general, they call up Dick, get him on the air (Faux News is always willing to put him on the air in spite of his irrellevancy) and just let's him blow steam just to demonstrate the absurdity of their position... "Waterboarding works! (Even though we had to use it over 180 times on one person...)"

The Republican Party is a joke. Government is the problem, except when it stations federal sex inspectors in everyone's bedroom and transfers weatlh from middle class families to defense contractors. The United States is a "Christian nation" that should torture its enemies, esteem Wall Street greed as a virtue, and leave its poor and sick to fend for themselves. What a ridiculous amaglam of contradictions and general idiocy.

And what a collection of nutty future leaders.

Mitt Romney, whose only core principle is that his Mormon god wants him to be president.

Sarah Palin, who rails against abortion while considering having one herself and participating in an extended white trash meltdown in her own home.

Rick Perry, neo-secessionist freak.

Mark Sanford, I'll take all the stimulus money except the pennies for unemployment compensation for poor blacks.

Bobby Jindal, who thinks what this nation needs is an executive who reads propaganda to us like we're kindergarteners.

Jeb Bush, because what the country wants is more Bush.

Mike Huckabee, whose first act as president would be to require all agencies to cite not a statutory source but KJV Bible verse to support any proposed regulation they issue.

And there's Rudy Giuliani, defending the "sanctity" of marriage, while having three of his own, multiple adulterous affairs, and grown children who will barely speak to him.

Yeah, to say a future voice hasn't emerged yet is an understatement! The only Republican making any sense at all right now is Meghan McCain, and no one will listen to her because she is calling for a change in thinking.

"The truth is Barack Obama should never have released those CIA records...what purpose does it serve?"

Aired our dirty laundry. I'm glad he did it. i'm also glad he decided not to prosecute fall-guys for Bush and Cheney. This is now their disgrace. While no court will judge them, history definitely will.

the bush administration opened the door and left the door open for skirting of the regulatory requirements in the banking, lending, and housing industries. Without EVER "re-visiting" the code and law.

No audits, no tracking.
As these companies broke regulatory requirements, the Bush congress and administration did nothing.
He sure the heck does get the blame.
For 8 to 9 years, there was no regulatory control, audit, or tracking of how these companies were bilking the american people.

It's fascinating to that the media has stopped being journalists when Barack Obama ran for President. The only people that are journalists anymore are the people on Fox or the WSJ. What does the rest of the "media" do?

You propagate your bias, and pander to this President so much it's disgusting. Your job is to present TWO SIDES OF A STORY.

No wonder Fox's ratings ARE SO HIGH.

American's actually want the truth. Sooner or later, left wing wackos, (who aren't any different from right wing wacko's because they are too far right or left) will create a problem the country. Why? Because the country is in the middle.

When our country is financially bankrupt, (which GEORGE BUSH DID NOT DO, THE DEMOCRATIC CONGRESS DID WHEN THEY WANTED to make sure everyone owned a home, Fannie Mae AND Freddie Mac, so IF YOU WANT TO BLAME ANYBODY, you SHOULD BLAME Senator Chris Dodd and Barney Frank.)

I am no fan of George Bush...the far right got him elected and we see where that got us.

Bush also put a company into bankruptcy. So his lack of fiduciary accountability is part of the reason why the Republicans stink just as much as the Democrats.

The problem we have is that the lack of fiduciary responsibility by either party, coupled with partisan politics---will cost our children their future.

Now as a journalist why don't you do your job instead of pander TO PARTISAN POLITICS.

The truth is Barack Obama should never have released those CIA records...what purpose does it serve? As an executive in the business world, I would never bad mouth my previous competition nor release records. Barack needs to grow up. He's becoming an embarrassment. This is pretty simple, what's he doing? He's trying to defuse attention and it's disgusting.

You need to grow up to and do your job. You journalists are an embarrassment to this country.

Interesting ... Cheney is a little "disturbed" that the memos were released, but, since they are not favorable to the former Bush administration, he wants them all released. What sort of logic is that? Its the type of logic where politics trumps national security, you know, like outing a CIA agent to teach her husband a political lesson.

As for being worried how we are now being viewed in the world I guess he means other nations are not seeing the US pointing a gun their face all the time. That's ok with me. And if Cheney sees a problem with Obama shaking the idiot Chavez's hand, well, lets hear how that negatively affects American foreign policy or security. Once a bumbler always a bumbler. Thanks God the grownups are in change now.

The secret (former) vice president needs to retreat to his hole and stay there. He really needs a serious time-out. I guess this neocon is going to fight it to the grave. He has been totally discredited on everything Iraq.

quote-
"Cheney, never one to shy away from a political fistfight, called it "a little bit disturbing" that the Obama administration had released some of the CIA memos "but they didn't put out the memos that showed the success of the effort." Cheney added that he was calling on the CIA to release the full memos regarding the interrogation practices and what results (if any) they yielded...."

Yeah, we want to see too.
Anyone ever see "W"?
The lunch scene (2002). Cheney has a "sign off" for Bush (at lunch) to sign.
For enhanced interrogation efforts.
Brolin and Dreyfuss are having lunch (about the lettuce with ecoli, etc).
Did Bush "sign off" on that "sign off".
If he did, you can bring the CIA interrogation tapes straight to former President Bush's doorstep...
and guess what...
if he signed it...for enhance interrogation techniques...
bust him.
bust a former president.
Cheney better shut his mouth.

GREAT piece on Cheyney, Chris! Especially your analysis of the dynamics of past vs. future for the GOP. But Cheyney has always been so tone-deaf anyway, why should one expect him to lie doggo when he has a permanent venue, i.e. Fox 'News' (ironic quote intended)?

As a former member of the media, I rarely blame it for reporting stories, but wonder if the (excessive?) attention paid to Cheyney's every (public) utterance isn't perhaps overdone. I'm glad that you, at least, have successfully suppressed the newsman's instinct for conflict and merely report--I wish it were possible to get back to that in general.

Thanks for maintaining the UNbiased tone of a reporter rather than a commentator--too many commentators and not enough reporters!

The memos that Cheney claims will show that waterboarding (torture) worked are as fictional as the one's about Saddam's mushroom cloud and al Queda working with Iraq. They only exisit in Cheney's dank, dark, mouldy dungeon filled with diseased flea-bitten rats that is his brain (Because this is a family newspaper I won't even try to describe his soul).

But having said that I would encourage Cheney to keep appearing on TV to snarl out his nonsense. That's right let's keep the true face of the Republican party front and center in the American people's minds with all its anger, lies, distortion, bitterness, sadistic, stubborness, unhinged from reality and evil blackness. The GOP Poster Boy!

"I never so completely understood the title of Liberal Fascism until after I read this John Harwood NY Times piece:

“Rhetorically, Republicans are having a very hard time finding something that raises the consciousness of the average voter,” said Saul Anuzis, a former chairman of the Michigan Republican Party who recently lost a bid to became national party chairman.
Workaday labels like “big spender” and “liberal” have lost their punch, and last fall, Senator John McCain of Arizona and Gov. Sarah Palin of Alaska gained little traction during the presidential campaign by linking Mr. Obama’s agenda to socialism.

So Mr. Anuzis has turned to provocation with a purpose. He calls the president’s domestic agenda “economic fascism.”

“We’ve so overused the word ‘socialism’ that it no longer has the negative connotation it had 20 years ago, or even 10 years ago,” Mr. Anuzis said. “Fascism — everybody still thinks that’s a bad thing.”

I suppose after fascism loses its luster, you could move on to botulism. Or cubism.'

So completely intellectually bereft. So entirely lacking in grey matter. All they've got is empty taunts and name-calling. Look at every rightwing post on this site -- angry, juvenile, illiterate. This is the R party today.

President B.O. could not carry Mr Cheneys Jock Strap// as far as combat service lets get real did you see our fearless Pres B.O. in Turkey when they gave him a one gun salute?? Private DumBO ears and all almost fell off the stage//

MORE APPARENT CENSORSHIP OF POLITICAL BLOG POSTS TO 'THE FIX' -- APPARENTLY NOT BY WA-PO

Both of my submissions this morning have elicited the "held for blog owner" message, although The Washington Post does not "hold" posts unless foul language is detected.

Regular readers here may know that I have written extensively about the Bush-Cheney era "extrajudicial punishment network" and its local control apparatus, nationwide squads of "community gang stalkers" who appear to be fronted by federally-funded community policing and public safety oriented volunteer organizations.

It appears that certain agencies of government are using the regional Department of Homeland Security- administered surveillance "fusion center" in my area (Bucks County, PA) to silence me. This, I believe, is a gross violation of of constitutionally-guaranteed rights.

The American Civil Liberties Union has provided me with a means to catalog these affronts to my constitutional rights. I am publishing the apparently censored posts at the following link (assuming my censors do not interfere with that posting as well):

Why would Hannity, or anyone else, waste air time talking with Dick Cheney? This man is evil and thankfully, a has been. I cringed when he was chosen as the VP nominee and hoped he would only last one term. We were stuck with him for eight years during which time he had far too much influence. Much of the damage done to America's image was perpetrated by Dick Cheney. I thought that with the "changing of the guard" we would be rid of Cheney - but like the energizer bunny he just keeps going. It is irresponsible of the news media to give him even five minutes of time. This man is evil.

how interesting that when I submitted my previous comment I got that "refusal of submission" page that incorrectly states that I have been posting too much. Since it was my first in 24 hours, and since this has been happening since I called Chris on his statement about the media movers and shakers in DC that set the conventional wisdom for a presidency. I try to compliment when I think something is well writen and non-biased, like with my first this morning, but I guess if The Fix is trying to discourage me from commenting by making it inconvienent, I must be doing something right.

Dick Cheney and Sean Hannity. Two chicken shi# right wing extremist that haven't served one day of combat, talking tough like they know all about war. If Fox news and the republicans think bringing Cheney out of his bunker to rant and use his stale, scare tactics to score political points, think again. The more Dick Cheney talks, the more the American voters realize how horrible the last 8 years in America was under the leadership of Bush and Cheney. Keep on talking Cheney, it only shows the rest of us how desperate and clueless the republican party really is.

Cheney is a criminal, he belongs behind bars. Why would anyone take anything he says seriously? He has proven time and again that he does not care about the constitution or our relations with the rest of the world.He wanted to make the rules as he went along. Bush was a puppet, Cheney is just evil!

CC, you forget to mention in your little blurb that the RNC's numbers for this quarter are grossly inflated by a large transfer of funds from the McCain/Palin election fund. If I remember almost a third of the money the RNC "raised" was from that transfer.
Obama on the other hand transfered that money to his 2012 relection fund. So actually the DNC outraised the GOP this cycle.

Oh, yes, Cheney. The man who epitomizes the saying: "Patriotism is the last refuge of the scoundrel!" The man who said "waterboarding of America's foes is "a no brainer!" The man who became the "de facto" decision maker to a "brainless" George Bush's white house, and drove their tenure into the trash bin of the American presidential history. [68% of Americans in a CNN Poll on January 18, 2009 deemed their tenure a failure" and their exit from the administration " a good riddance," which in raw language
means "trash.] Now, Cheney raises his head from inside that trash bin to lecture America because he is unable to understand
that for about 70% of Americans he is "a worthless and unceremoniously disposed politician."

Sure, there are a small minority - about 30%- of brainless children of the American right out there that still may need his guidance. And those are the Americans that some philosophers called: "Fierce as a fever [Cheney is too]; pitiless as the grave [Cheney is too]; blind as a stone [Cheney is too]; and irrational as a headless chicken [Cheney is too]." And those are the people
who have made America -through Bush and Cheney - the most hated nation on earth.

Now. We had an election on November 4, 2008, and the Americans decided overwhelmingly to sweep away the scoundrels; deem them "good riddance," and dispose of them in the trash of presidential political failures. In the aforementioned CNN Poll above, the Bush-Cheney duo was rated BELOW Herbert Hoover!

Now, Cheney is on the top of the news again as the floating trash in the murky waters of George Bush's presidential history - at a time that Baraq Obama tries to decontaminate the political environment he inherited from them. Nikos Retsos, retired professor

Let Cheney keep blathering on, engaging in a winless p*ssing contest with Obama. With him, Gingrich and Limbaugh as the face of the GOP, they can wave goodbye to any chance of 'spreading their tent'. These 3 polarizing figures will ensure the GOP stays in the wilderness for quite some time.

As long as the governor is playing catch-up to the senator, Texans can expect more of this week's silliness from Perry. What seems so confounding is that by pandering to the right-wing fringe, Perry is surely losing ground with the party mainstream that he will need to win next March.

Nationally, as in Texas, the Republican Party seems to have lost its way. Barack Obama's election last fall has unhinged the GOP, and the party is now hostage to conservative talk show hosts who spew hate from the outer limits of political absurdity. It is the Rush Limbaughs of the country who applaud Perry's outlandish palaver and who are driving the GOP into the political wasteland.

Republicans and Democrats alike can decry the huge amounts of money rung up by Obama's stimulus package, fret about the debt we are handing our children and worry about taxes. But most don't go around muttering about secession like it's a real possibility. It only makes those who do, including the governor, look ridiculous.

Mr. Cheney infers that the ends justify the means; Mr. Obama has concluded the means are called torture. My opinion? Torture. I think Cheney is the most evil person to hold a higher public office in my 63 years and I am relieved he is gone.